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Chapter 22
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2024-06-03 23:22:55Related chapters
THE PRODIGAL BILLIONAIRE Chapter 23
"You want seconds or something?" he asked, leaving the door wide open.I damn near ran up to him. "Was the food that good?" he asked.I realised I was smiling when he said that. "Yes."We got to his car and I slid into the seat as if I'd done it a thousand times before. He asked for my address but I was quick on my feet and gave him a random address. "So you were married, huh?"I froze. "Yes." I don't know how he heard me over the sound of my rapidly beating heart."Cool." He paused. "I guess not since it didn't work out."I relaxed. "Yeah. He was a self-serving asshole. His mother too."He laughed and I joined in with him. "They sound like my brother and mother. I guess you do get it," he said.We arrived at the house address I'd given him. Thankfully, it was a house because I didn't feel like explaining why I lived in a dentist's office."I'd walk you in but I'm exhausted so get out."I glanced over at him ready for a fight but he was smiling. "You're such an asshole," I said."H
Last Updated : 2024-06-03THE PRODIGAL BILLIONAIRE Chapter 24
I felt like I couldn't breathe. What was I supposed to tell him? I should have already told him everything. I should have been free.We rode up in silence with me counting the floors as they lit up above the elevator doors. I swear I usually didn't take so long.Jesse remained silent. I hated the fact that he could outlast me in the awkward silence. It was so uncomfortable. I was at my limit, ready to sing like a canary when the elevator dinged and the doors slid open."We'll talk about this after work," he said as he slipped out.I waited for the relief to flood my system but nothing came. Only a feeling of dread and a lump in my throat.My desk suddenly felt claustrophobic, like I was stuck. I needed to be anywhere but there but I had a job to do.Why was I doing this job? I'd lost track of my motivation to be here. I might as well have just been a secretary at that point.I was going to be at the helm of this company – my company – in under a month. All these people, my coworkers
Last Updated : 2024-06-04THE PRODIGAL BILLIONAIRE Chapter 25
"Yes.""And Mr. Lloyd?""My mentor.""You'll be CEO."The dreaded moment was finally here. I'd visualised it multiple times but I would never have thought it would be after our first kiss. I always thought I'd resign to whatever fate deemed fit but the kiss was top passionate not to be hopeful. "Yes. But that doesn't have to change anything," I pleaded.He fully pulled away from me and I felt like a part of me was rudely taken. He acted like I told him I had leprosy. "It changed everything, Remi. Every damn thing.""But why? It doesn't have to." I leapt off the desk and tried to take his hands but he pulled away again. I could feel my eyes starting to water but I fought back the tears."You're the boss's daughter. No actually, you're the boss. Those relationships don't turn out well," he said.I knew he was lying. He had something else holding him back. Knowing him, he would never tell so there was no use trying."That didn't stop you from toying with me just now, did it," I asked,
Last Updated : 2024-06-04THE PRODIGAL BILLIONAIRE Chapter 26
It was long overdue anyway. I should never have moved back in the first place.I moved into a hotel with what little of my belongings I'd taken from my parents home. I'd much have preferred to move into an actual apartment but I was going purely off instincts that night. Apartment hunting was the next pressing agenda on the list but mentorship meetings were taking up all my time. It sucked sleeping in a soulless room of a soulless chain hotel; no personal touch whatsoever. Of course, I could have stayed until I found an apartment but why would I give dad that satisfaction? And then there was mom. I loved her with my whole heart but why hadn't she ever come to my rescue against dad? She was content to stand and watch, and occasionally offer sympathy. That was all well and good but it was my life on the line. My dreams, my goals, everything had to be put aside to go on someone else's journey. I'd accepted it. What was the point of fighting a losing battle? Tristan had had me showin
Last Updated : 2024-06-06THE PRODIGAL BILLIONAIRE Chapter 27
"Remi, it's me!" Dad barked, covering his ears with his hands. "Calm down.""Dad? What are you doing?" I yelled. My mind was racing and my lungs weren't getting enough air."I need to talk to you," he said calmly as if he didn't almost give me a heart attack just a few seconds prior."You couldn't call?""I did. So did your mother. Remi, just come home. We – your mother is worried about you. Living in a hotel? And this one?"I rolled my eyes but inside I wanted to hug my dad. I wanted to cry into his arms like when I was a little girl. I'd always taken the easier path whenever I had a choice. I left home to be with Oscar instead of following the path my father had carved out for me; most people didn't get that. I'd also ran right back home when my marriage blew up in my face instead of trying to fend for myself. All of that had to come to an end. I needed to make my own way."I'm sorry, dad. I can't do that," I muttered under my breath. He sighed a deep, heavy exhale that blatantly
Last Updated : 2024-06-06THE PRODIGAL BILLIONAIRE Chapter 28
For the rest of the week, Jesse would come over after work and we would spend the whole night exploring each other. I started to keep track but eventually lost count of how many times he brought me to a toe curling, back arching, sheet gripping climax.At some point I began struggling to keep up with his strength and stamina. The man quite simply was a machine."So, next week, huh?" Jesse said, as he came out of the shower with a towel wrapped around his waist.Next week. My coronation, so to speak."Yeah." I was dreading it. Not because of the job itself; my meetings with Tristan had given me a new outlook and immense confidence that I would do a good job. What was bothering me was Jesse. He was such a sticker for the rules. I knew he would want us to stop… this. I'd been so pleasantly surprised when he called and actually showed up and we'd been having sneaky links since. But I could just picture him saying we had to end it once I took over. He dropped the towel, giving me a full
Last Updated : 2024-06-07THE PRODIGAL BILLIONAIRE Chapter 29
I gasped and ran to him seconds before I realised I should have run outside to try and get help."Tristan?" I whispered, cupping his face. A little blood got on my hands.He was unconscious and I tried tapping him awake but that didn't work. I noticed the dried blood on his face and on my hand was powdery, like chalk. I rubbed it between my fingers and it came off easily, reminding me of the dried watercolour I used to play with as a kid. What the hell was going on?"AAAAHHH."I stumbled backwards and unto my ass, I could feel my heartbeat in my throat. Fear gripped me as I assumed the worst. Had I done something to him? He glanced at me and pushed his chair back so he could get to his feet.He rushed to me and offered me his hands. I took them cautiously and let him lift me to my feet. "Sorry about that," he said coolly. "My wife told me you probably wouldn't appreciate the theatrics. Guess she was right.""What the hell is this, Tristan? Is that paint on your face?"He glanced ar
Last Updated : 2024-06-07THE PRODIGAL BILLIONAIRE Chapter 30
I took a deep breath and exhaled, forces all the air of my lungs until it felt like I'd pass out.My big day had come and as much as I'd convinced myself I was unphased, my legs had been tingling since I got in bed the previous night. I'd thought the jitters would be he gone by morning but as soon as my feet touched the cold, cold tiles, I instantly remembered what day it was. The thought froze me to the edge of my bed. In all the time I sat frozen, my phone rang five times – I'd counted. I didn't bother picking up, didn't even bother checking who had called. I sat frozen as it rang over and again like a mockingly bubbly soundtrack to my dreary disposition.The sixth ring made me spring to my feet. Dad had said greatness came from doing what needed to be done despite the fear, in spite of doubt.Those two things, I had in spades at the moment so I decided to follow his advice. I picked up my phone to find a whole lot of texts. I didn't want to deal with all that so I did a cursory s
Last Updated : 2024-06-08
Latest chapter
THE PRODIGAL BILLIONAIRE Chapter 108
I sat in my office, staring at my CEO certificate.‘Congratulations. You’re ready to run a company!’ The golden words said.sI couldn’t believe how far I’d come since I last read those words. The last few months were loud and rough; the betrayals, the struggles, all the pain – it was all finally over.I stared at a picture on my phone – one of Jesse and I at a company event. We were mid-conversation, laughing our asses off at something. For a second, I wanted to be back then. I was care-free then, with no worries on my mind.My phone buzzed, startling me. Jesse texted that he was coming to my office.After a few minutes, the door opened and Jesse walked in carrying two cups of coffee. “Figured you’d need some fuel.”“You know me too well.” I accepted the warm cup from him.“I do.” He sat down and took his own cup. “Which is how I know there’s something on your mind.”I sighed, taking a quick sip and setting down my cup. “I can’t help it. I keep wondering ‘what next?’, you know what I
THE PRODIGAL BILLIONAIRE Chapter 107
“Do you think he’s going to kill her?”My head had been on Jesse’s chest all morning. We talked and talked until I finally decided to bring up a burning question I had.“Who, Deandra?” Jesse asked.“Yeah. Those cops seemed like they would probably leak the details to Don Simeon, and apparently, he’s some big shot in the criminal underworld. So?”“I don’t know. Proba–”A loud knocking – no, banging on his front door jarred up alert. WHo the hell thought now was a good time.I reluctantly got off of him so he could go and check it out. I quickly put on some clothes just in case.“Ashley?” I heard him say.It had been ages since I saw his cousin so I went out to see her. Who I saw next stopped me in my tracks.“Mom?” Jesse said, standing stiffly at the door.Celia was standing on his doorstep looking like she’d been sentenced to death.“I’m sorry, Jesse. She wouldn’t take no for an answer,” Ashley said before turning to me. “Hey, Remi. I’m so sorry about this.” And just like that, she wa
THE PRODIGAL BILLIONAIRE Chapter 106
“I knew you’d come around.” Deandra poured herself a glass of scotch.As some sort of power move, she made us wait half an hour before we met with her. Sitting in her office, for hopefully the last time, my heart was pounding a thousand beats a second. My mind was reeling. There is no way she was going to suspect us right? I mean, someone who’s had to deal with so many crooked people would be able to spot crooked behavior. Maybe this was a bad idea.Jesse squeezing my hand soothed me a little but the anxiety remained. Only this time, it was a shadow in the corner of my eye as opposed to a looming figure blacking out my vision.“And you even brought little Miss Perfect with you.” She smiled and took a sip from her cup.“I’m only here because you threatened Jesse,” I spat. “I can’t stand being near you.”I crossed my fingers, hoping she would take the bait.“Oh, so she’s the knight in shining armor and you’re the princess?” She asked, cackling. “Either way, I didn’t threaten him. I gav
THE PRODIGAL BILLIONAIRE Chapter 105
I couldn't believe how much my life had changed. Things were going so much smoother without the drama from all the enemies I inadvertently made along the way.Better yet, Jesse and I had been making up for lost time. That part was amazing. Zero complaints there. I was firing on all cylinders, almost like all the stress was dulling my senses and now that they’d all been cleared up, I could finally see things. My judgment was impeccable.Which is why I noticed the uneasiness in Jesse. We were in a doughnut shop, satisfying my sugar cravings. He had been trying to hide it the whole time, checking his phone when he thought I wasn’t looking, fielding calls, until he eventually turned off his phone.“Jesse,” I placed my hand on his, “what’s going on?”He dropped his doughnut and sighed. “I thought I was hiding it well. It’s Deandra.”Hearing her name was like a shock. I knew she wasn’t done with us but why was she back so soon? “What does she want?” My voice showed more worry than I’d int
THE PRODIGAL BILLIONAIRE Chapter 104
“What? You’ll try and kill me again?”“Stop saying that!” She stomped her feet and crossed her arms like a child throwing a tantrum. “I did that once! Can’t you let it go? Damn, why do you always have to bring that up and ruin the vibe?”Mission accomplished. I hoped Jesse heard everything.“I didn’t want to have to do this, Remi, but you’ve left me no choice.” She snapped her fingers, and like something out of a movie, two hefty men walked out of the shadows, flanking Debbie on both sides. “These men will teach you a lesson now,” Debbie said as casually as if she was ordering a burger. My stomach dropped when the men started to approach me. Run! The voice in my head screamed, but my feet were rooted to the spot. Everything went into slow motion. I couldn't run away from her again. But if I didn't, her men would do unspeakable things to me. Jesse would want to help but I couldn't put him in danger for my fight. Visions of Oscar from the previous day flashed in my mind. I cringed
THE PRODIGAL BILLIONAIRE Chapter 103
“To-together?” I stuttered. He probably thought I looked silly with the massive grin on my face but I didn’t care. I was right where I wanted to be, staring into the eyes of the man I loved.My phone buzzed, ruining the moment we were having.It was a text from an unknown number so I didn’t bother.“You’re not going to get that?” Jesse asked.I shrugged. “I don’t know who it is.”He nodded thoughtfully and sat down. I began to feel awkward standing aimlessly in his office. I was hoping he’d say something to ease my tension but he didn’t. He didn’t even look bothered.“I’ll just… go.”The walk to his door seemed a mile long and my legs moved haphazardly like I forgot how to walk but I eventually got to the door. “Um, Remi? Do you want to get dinner la–”“Yes!” I turned around before he could even finish his sentence. I mentally smacked my forehead.“Cool.” He flashed me a smile. “I guess I’ll pick you up after work. When do you get off?”I burst into laughter – a bit exaggerated I wa
THE PRODIGAL BILLIONAIRE Chapter 102
Things between Jesse and I weren’t quite back to normal but they were good. Better than I could have imagined in such a short time. We were talking and laughing together again. I was on my way to his office with coffee. I felt silly; I was his boss, why was I getting him coffee? I guess it didn’t matter because when I got outside his office, I froze. Through his slightly-open door, I could hear his voice, sharp and determined.“That was your plan all along?” He sounded shocked, like he couldn't believe his ears. “Something is very wrong with you, Deandra. You need help.”“I see that little miss perfect has gotten to you.” Deandra’s voice was smooth and deceptively soothing. “I had so much hope for you, Jesse. Oscar is a cancer that needs to be cut out, can’t you see that?”My breath caught in my throat. History had shown me Deandra wasn’t to be trusted, but to bear witness to this level of manipulation? It made my skin crawl. “So you want to frame him? What did he ever do to you th
THE PRODIGAL BILLIONAIRE Chapter 101
“The day just keeps getting better and better.” Deandra chuckled and sat back down. “Come on in, Jesse. I have some news for you too.”We hadn’t talked much after he kicked me out but I was still his boss. “Did you need something, Jesse?” I asked.“No. Just wanted to say congrats. I heard about the confession,” he said.“Oh.” I puffed my chest out and sat up straight. “Thanks.”“I made it happen by the way so you should be thanking me,” Deandra said.I rolled my eyes.“By the way, Jesse, Remi wasn’t playing ball so I had to find a work around for your Oscar-sized problem.” Deandra’s smile was sinister. “Oscar will be picking up a package later today – I’ll give you the address. Let’s just say some friends will be paying him a not so friendly visit in a nearby alley. Now, you could join them or just watch; up to you.”“What did you do?” I asked, suddenly alarmed. I didn’t care for Oscar but to go to these lengths was just unnecessary. Surely even Jesse could see that.“What I had to,”
THE PRODIGAL BILLIONAIRE Chapter 100
I couldn’t shake the queasiness in my stomach. Despite the media frenzy around the bribery scandal dying down, questions still lingered, and Renard's reputation teetered on the edge. To make matters worse, the person I had to depend on for results was none other than Deandra.Just as I picked up my phone to call her, someone barged into my office.A snotty-looking man in an expensive suit, shortly followed by an angry-looking Jesse. “What’s going on?” I asked Jesse.“This person isn’t supposed to be here,” he answered, glaring at the man.“I’m here on behalf of Mr. O’Hearn,” the man said, turning his nose up at me.“In what capacity?” I asked.He rolled his eyes. “As his lawyer.”I already hated this man. He was a lawyer, an occupation that Deandra had shown me was untrustworthy. Strike two was the fact that he was Mike’s lawyer.I needed to make him feel as unwelcome as possible. “Jesse, it’s alright. He won’t be long anyway.”He looked amused. “I assure you, I’m not here to cause y
